August Newsletter

Book Club

Project ABLE has partnered with the Oregon State Hospital Museum of Mental Health to host a monthly Mental Fitness Book Club! It takes place the third Wednesday of the month at 5:30pm at The Book Bin in Salem. This month's meeting is on August 20th. We will be discussing No Bad Parts by Richard C. Schwartz. Books can also be purchased at The Book Bin.

Closed August 22nd

The Salem and Mac offices will be closed on Friday, August 22nd while all staff and administrators are receiving training related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Special Holidays

August 24th is Self-Care Day! Remember, self-care is not only the comforting things like taking bubble baths, going on walks, and doing your nails but it also includes getting in the routines of setting healthy boundaries at work, going to therapy, taking medications, or whatever else is important to your wellness. Now is a great time to reflect on your self-care practices and adjust as needed.

Check out our monthly activity calendars for some other daily holidays!

Special Event

The Volunteer Appreciation Picnic will be hosted at Wallace Marine Park in West Salem from 12-3pm on Friday, August 29th. Along with the ceremony to honor volunteers, there will be food and games! Hope to see you there!

New Volunteer Orientation

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer peer support with Project ABLE, join us at our Mac office on August 8th for an orientation with our wonderful Peer Support Coordinator, Tracy Love from 10am-12pm OR at our Salem office from 1-3pm!

ICYMI

As of July 10th, street parking in downtown Salem now requires payment. You can still park for FREE at the parkade on Chemeketa and Court, which is only a block away from the Salem Project ABLE location. The handicapped parking spot in the staff parking lot is available for any participant, peer, or visitor who has the appropriate parking pass.

Awareness this Month & Every Month

Did you know that August is National Wellness Month? As a Peer Support-focused organization, Project ABLE believes in supporting everyone on their wellness journey by empowering individuals to make their choices that are right for their unique experiences and circumstances. We are also huge fans of SAMHSA's Eight Dimensions of Wellness. Get a brief intro to this concept by checking out this YouTube video.

Knit for Mental Fitness Fundraiser

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, filmed at the Oregon State Hospital, the Oregon State Hospital Museum of Mental Health is proud to announce Knit For Mental Fitness, a 2025 community initiative supporting mental fitness awareness and benefiting both the Museum and Project ABLE. The Museum, along with the Salem Millstream Knitting Guild, and Wild Knits invites the public to join in knitting iconic “watch cap” style hats, inspired by the ones worn by Jack Nicholson’s character, Randall P. McMurphy, in the film. Click here to learn more!

ABLE House

Since opening in March 2025, ABLE House—a peer-run respite house—has supported 16 guests, offering tools for resiliency, self-determination, and recovery.

We are proud to have received positive feedback from both guests and community partners.

Some comments from the community, guests, and staff.

“This place has saved my life.”

“The work we do is tough yet is invaluable to our community.”

“I wish your program was around years ago.”

“My stay had a family vibe, very inviting and welcoming. It was a really nice change from the hectic normality of everyday life.”

One of many success stories from ABLE House!

A past guest has received enough skills and support to land their first ever paid job! With continuing peer support from ABLE House staff, the guest now has more hope, confidence, and independence.

If you or someone you know could benefit from a compassionate, home-like environment while navigating a mental health crisis, please reach out.

Contact ABLE House at (541) 764-1190 or ABLEHouse@ProjectABLE.org to learn more.

Upcoming Trainings

August Trainings:

August 11th-15th from 9am-5pm in Salem
August 25th-29th from 9am-5pm Online

August CEUs:

August 1st from 1-3pm in Salem and Zoom - Anger Management Strategies
August 8th from 1-3pm in Salem and Zoom - Systemic Shame

September Trainings:

September 8th-12th from 9am-5pm in Salem
September 22nd-26th from 9am-5pm Online

September CEUs:

September 5th from 12-3pm - in person only! - Salem Project ABLE - Suicide Prevention
September 19th from 12-3pm - in person only! - Mac Project ABLE - Suicide Prevention